Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa Recipe

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There are few things more satisfying than the bold, vibrant flavors packed into a well-made taco. Among the wide variety of taco fillings—from carnitas to grilled vegetables—shrimp tacos stand out for their perfect balance of lightness, spice, and texture. When paired with a bright, creamy avocado salsa, the dish transforms into a coastal-inspired meal that’s both refreshing and indulgent. Whether served on a weeknight or at a summer gathering, Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa capture the essence of fresh, simple, and satisfying cooking.

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This dish is rooted in a blend of Mexican culinary tradition and contemporary fusion. Shrimp cook quickly and absorb flavor beautifully, making them an ideal taco filling. The avocado salsa brings richness and a cooling contrast to the seasoning on the shrimp, while fresh toppings like cabbage, lime, and cilantro add crunch and acidity. The result is a layered taco experience—bold yet balanced, simple yet exciting.

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Part of what makes these shrimp tacos so appealing is their versatility. You can tailor the spice level, change the salsa components, or even swap out the tortilla type to suit your dietary needs or cravings. Whether you’re aiming for a health-conscious dinner, a celebratory taco night, or a quick weeknight fix, this recipe is endlessly adaptable.

But great tacos are more than the sum of their parts. The key lies in technique: knowing how long to marinate the shrimp, when to add heat, how to blend the avocado salsa to just the right consistency, and how to layer textures within the tortilla. This guide will walk you through every step, offering detailed explanations, tips, and variations to ensure you can make restaurant-quality shrimp tacos at home with confidence.

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In the sections that follow, you’ll find a full breakdown of ingredients, equipment recommendations, preparation techniques, and creative serving ideas to elevate your taco game. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a crowd, this Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa recipe is destined to become a go-to favorite.

Ingredient Breakdown: Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Salsa

To make truly unforgettable shrimp tacos, every ingredient should serve a purpose. In this section, we’ll separate the components into three main categories: the shrimp and marinade, the avocado salsa, and the taco assembly. For each ingredient, we’ll explain its role, provide substitution options, and offer insight into how to get the best flavor and texture.

Part 1: The Shrimp & Marinade

The star of the show, shrimp are prized for their mild flavor, tender texture, and ability to soak up bold seasonings. The marinade is essential—it infuses the shrimp with bright, spicy, and savory flavors that make every bite pop.

a. Raw Shrimp (1–1.5 pounds, peeled and deveined)

• Purpose: Shrimp provide a light, meaty texture and subtly sweet flavor that takes on seasoning well.

• Type: Medium to large shrimp (21/25 or 26/30 count) work best for tacos. They should be peeled and deveined for ease of eating.

• Tips: Fresh or frozen both work. If frozen, thaw overnight or under cold running water. Pat dry before marinating.

b. Olive Oil (2 tablespoons)

c. Garlic (2–3 cloves, minced)

d. Lime Juice (Juice of 1 lime)

e. Chili Powder (1–2 teaspoons)

• Purpose: Brings smoky, earthy heat to the shrimp.

• Varieties: Ancho chili powder for a mild sweetness; chipotle powder for more smoke.

f. Cumin (½ teaspoon)

g. Paprika (½ teaspoon, smoked or sweet)

h. Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)

Part 2: The Avocado Salsa

This creamy, zesty, and slightly spicy salsa balances the heat of the shrimp and adds a luxurious texture that ties the tacos together.

a. Avocados (2 ripe)

b. Lime Juice (1–2 tablespoons)

• Purpose: Prevents browning, adds acidity, and balances richness.

• Pro Tip: Add lime juice immediately after scooping to keep avocado vibrant green.

c. Fresh Cilantro (¼ cup, chopped)

d. Red Onion (¼ cup, finely diced)

• Purpose: Adds crunch and a sharp, slightly sweet bite.

• Alternative: Shallots or scallions for a milder flavor.

e. Jalapeño or Serrano Pepper (1, seeded and diced)

• Purpose: Brings heat and punch to the salsa.

• Control the Heat: Remove seeds and ribs for milder flavor. For more spice, use serrano or keep seeds in.

f. Garlic (1 clove, minced)

g. Salt (to taste)

Part 3: Taco Assembly Ingredients

These elements bring crunch, freshness, and contrast to round out the taco.

a. Corn or Flour Tortillas (8–10 small)

• Purpose: The vehicle for your toppings. Corn adds authenticity and a nutty flavor; flour offers softness and flexibility.

• Tip: Warm tortillas before serving—either on a skillet, in foil in the oven, or directly over a gas flame for a charred edge.

b. Shredded Cabbage or Slaw Mix (1–2 cups)

c. Fresh Cilantro (for garnish)

d. Lime Wedges (for serving)

e. Hot Sauce or Crema (optional)

Prep Time
15 minutes

Cook Time
10 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Shrimp:
• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Juice of ½ lime
• For the Avocado Salsa:
• 2 ripe avocados, diced
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Juice of 1 lime
• Salt, to taste
• For Assembly:
• 8 small corn or flour tortillas
• Optional toppings: shredded cabbage or lettuce, sour cream, hot sauce, lime wedges

Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp:
   In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Set aside to marinate for 10 minutes.
2. Make the Avocado Salsa:
   In a medium bowl, gently combine diced avocados, red onion, tomatoes, jalapeño (if using), cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
   Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
4. Warm the Tortillas:
   Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until warm and pliable.
5. Assemble the Tacos:
   Fill each tortilla with a few shrimp, a generous spoonful of avocado salsa, and optional toppings like shredded cabbage, sour cream, or a squeeze of lime.

Notes

• Grill option: You can grill the shrimp on skewers for added flavor.
• Make it spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or chipotle mayo to the tacos.
• Dairy-free & gluten-free: Use dairy-free toppings and corn tortillas.

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